| Religions
General
Gale
Virtual Reference Library: Religion Reference Collection |  
Cross-searchable full-text reference books on a wide variety of subjects.
World Religions
From the United Religions Initiative, this site offers an introduction to Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Discusses the concept of religion
and what it means. Brief descriptions are provided for eleven other religions.
Atheism
American Atheists
– Visitors’ Center
Official website of the American Atheists organization. Contains
the primary goals of the organization, along with descriptions of beliefs and
teachings, and members’ reasons for being an atheist.
Atheism
Thorough site, covering definition, history, and number of followers
world-wide, beliefs/rationale, related ideologies (such as Secular Humanism
and Agnosticism), information about famous atheists, and a glossary of Atheism-related
terms. From Jeffrey K. Hadden, of the University of Virginia Department of Sociology.
Religion
& Ethics: Atheism
Includes introductory overview and history of atheism, including
reasons for being an atheist. Also covers the atheist approach to life rituals,
and information about different types of Atheism. From the BBC.
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Bahá’í Faith
The
Bahá’í Faith
In-depth resource, covering profile and history information, sacred
(holy) texts, basic beliefs and principles, and contemporary issues and controversies.
From Jeffrey K. Hadden, of the University of Virginia Department of Sociology.
The Bahá’í World
Official website of the Baha’I Faith. “A brief introduction”
gives a thorough overview and history. Other sections discuss main figures and
institutions, beliefs and teachings, sacred writings, and activities of followers
around the world. Includes some photographs.
Religion
& Ethics: Baha’i
Includes basic introduction and history, summary of beliefs, worship
practices, holy days, customs, and lifestyle information. Contains photographs.
From the BBC.
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Buddhism
Buddhism
Covers profile and history information, beliefs of Buddhism, schools
of Buddhism and links to more information. From Jeffrey K. Hadden, of the University
of Virginia Department of Sociology.
Buddhism
In-depth resource, covering the Buddhist outlook on the cosmos,
the calendar, and worship practices. Contains information about sacred texts,
rituals and beliefs, and an overview of the major subdivisions of Buddhism.
Also includes timeline and glossary. Sponsored by the Religious Studies Program
at the University of Wyoming.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
of Tibet
Covers the life and work of Tibetan Buddhism’s spiritual
leader -- His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. Contains in-depth
biographical information, including photographs and text of his 1989 Nobel Peace
Prize acceptance speech. Created by the Office of Tibet and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.
An Introduction
to Buddhism
Covers history of Buddhism and the life of Siddhartha Gautama,
and the basics of Buddhist beliefs and practices, including Buddhist Wisdom,
Buddhist Cosmology, the Wheel of Life, Buddhist morality, and Buddhist meditation.
Also includes a map of the Buddhist world and a glossary of basic Buddhist vocabulary.
Published by Dr. C. George Boeree, of Shippensburg University in Pennsylvannia.
Religion
& Ethics: Buddhism
Introductory information and history of Buddhism, as well as information
about customs, beliefs, worship practices, and holy days. Also provides detailed
information about subdivisions of Buddhism-- Theravada, and Mahayana (including
Zen, Tibetan, Pure Land, Korean Zen, or Son). Discusses the Four Noble Truths
and meditation. Includes images. From the BBC.
Zen
Buddhism
Covers profile and history, the core beliefs of Zen Buddhism and
links to more information. From Jeffrey K. Hadden, of the University of Virginia
Department of Sociology
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Christianity
Anno
Domini: Jesus Through the Centuries
A detailed look at the life and influence of Jesus Christ. Includes
accompanying imagery. Created by the Virtual Museum of Canada.
BibleGateway.com
A searchable online version of the Bible, Christianity’s
sacred text. Provided by Gospel Communications International, a non-profit Christian
ministry group.
Christianity
In-depth resource, covering the Christian outlook on the cosmos,
the calendar, and worship practices, information about sacred texts, rituals
and beliefs, and an overview of the major subdivisions of Christianity—Orthodox,
Roman Catholic, and Protestant. Also includes timeline and glossary. Sponsored
by the Religious Studies Program at the University of Wyoming.
From
Jesus to Christ: The First Christians
An in-depth look at what modern archaeological findings tell us
about the rise of Christianity, including the life and death of Jesus Christ,
and the lives of his followers, the first Christians. This site contains maps,
images, chronologies, and other interactive materials. Created by PBS.
Religion
& Ethics: Christianity
Introduction and history, customs and beliefs, and worship practices. Provides
detailed information about holy days, including accompanying photographs. Also
contains detailed information about some major subdivisions: Catholicism, Eastern
Orthodox Church, Quakers, Mormons, and Exclusive Brethren.
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Hinduism
Hinduism
Overview of beliefs and history of Hinduism, with a special section
on Hinduism in America. From Jeffrey K. Hadden, of the University of Virginia
Department of Sociology.
Hinduism
In-depth resource, covering the Hindu outlook on the cosmos, the
calendar, and worship practices, information about sacred texts, rituals and
beliefs, and an overview of the caste system. Also includes a timeline, glossary,
and maps. Sponsored by the Religious Studies Program at the University of Wyoming.
Meeting
God: Elements of Hindu Devotion
Select “Enter” at this American Museum of Natural History
site to find introductory information about Hinduism, information about worship
in the home, community, and temples, processionals, ephemeral shrines and images,
vows and trances, and renunciation. Includes photographs and short video clips.
Religion
& Ethics: Hinduism
Introductory information and history, customs, beliefs, worship
practices, and holy days. Also includes detailed information about Nepal, the
only official Hindu state in the world. From the BBC.
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Islam
Islam
In-depth resource, covering the Muslim outlook on the cosmos, the
calendar, and worship practices, information about sacred texts, rituals and
beliefs, and an overview of Islamic political organization. Also includes a
timeline, glossary, and maps. Sponsored by the Religious Studies Program at
the University of Wyoming.
Islam: Empire of Faith
Informative site, including a timeline of events in Islamic history,
profiles of major figures, innovations and art attributed to the Islamic world,
and information about the basic beliefs and practices of the Islamic faith.
From PBS.
Islam
for Children
Created by a school in the United Kingdom, this site provides an
introduction to the Islamic faith, information about daily living and customs,
and a glossary of Islamic words. Notice the occasional British spelling of a
few key terms.
The Koran
Searchable and browsable online Qu'ran (Koran), the sacred text
of Islam. Provided by the University of Michigan’s Digital Library.
Muslim Life
in America
This US Department of State site takes a personal look at Muslim Life in America,
as seen through a variety of photographs and interviews with different Muslim
families. Islamic values are seen as consistent with American values with a
focus of family, faith and hard work.
Religion
& Ethics - Islam
Contains introduction and history, customs, beliefs, and worship
practices, holy days, and a glossary of Islam-related terminology. Also includes
features on the Sharia, Mosques from around the world, the Qur’an, Jihad,
Islamic Art and Architecture, and an Islamic school. From the BBC.
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Judaism
Heritage:
Civilization and the Jews
Historical timeline of key events in Judaism, from 3100 BCE to
the present. From PBS.
Jewish Virtual
Library
Extensive source of history, maps, biographies, and more, covering
Judaism and Jewish civilization from ancient times to the present. Includes
special sections on the Holocaust, Women, Politics, and Israel. Created by the
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise.
Judaism
In-depth resource, covering the Jewish outlook on the cosmos, the
calendar, and worship practices, information about sacred texts, rituals and
beliefs, and an overview of Classic and Modern Judaism. Also includes a timeline,
glossary, and maps. Sponsored by the Religious Studies Program at the University
of Wyoming.
Religion
& Ethics: Judaism
Covers history, customs, beliefs, worship practices, and holy days,
as well as subdivisions, including Orthodox and Reform Judaism. From the BBC.
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Paganism
Religion
& Ethics: Paganism
Covers history, beliefs, worship practices, and festivals. Includes
features about a Wiccan teen and stone circles. From the BBC.
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Scientology
Scientology
The official website of the Church of Scientology. Includes information
about background and origins, practices and beliefs, worldwide activities of
the churches, and founder L. Ron Hubbard.
L. Ron Hubbard Site
Thorough biographical information about L. Ron Hubbard, the founder
of the Church of Scientology. Published by the Church of Scientology International.
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Sikhism
Religion
& Ethics: Sikhism
Contains introduction and history, customs, beliefs, and worship
practices, holy days, and a feature on the Sikh calendar. From the BBC.
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Taoism
Tao Te Ching
Browse by topic through this online translation of the Tao Te Ching,
the most recognized Taoist text. Created by Taoteching.org.
Taoism,
or the Way
Concise but thorough introduction to Taoism, written by Judith
A. Berling for the Asia Society's Focus on Asian Studies.
Taoism and the Arts
of China
Online exhibition of Taoist art, illustrating many facets of the Taoist religion.
Exhibit includes paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, porcelain, lacquer, and
ritual robes and implements from collections around the world. Also includes
maps, timelines, and a glossary of terms. From the Art Institute of Chicago.
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Last Updated:
September 11, 2008
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